I love this Bible verse. I find in refreshing and comforting that Jesus doesn’t offer platitudes. He straight-up says that we will have trouble in this world. No sugar coating, no ignoring the realities of life.

Jesus said this because he knew trouble better than anyone – he was tempted by the devil for 40 days, his hometown rejected him, his closest friends abandoned him, the authorities of his day plotted his death. He was beaten, mocked, left to die a tortuous death on the cross.

Jesus knew trouble.

Be he doesn’t leave us without hope – he acknowledges that we will have trouble in this world, but he encourages us to take heart because he has overcome the world.

On the cross, he broke the power of sin and death forever. All the things that give us trouble, Jesus has already conquered. We are safe with Him. And ultimately, when our time in this world comes to an end, we will be home with him.

Because He has overcome the world.

This Lent, may you know that when you put your faith in Jesus, the trouble you face in this world will not have the final word. May you know that Jesus IS the final word. And in Him, we will always find compassion, mercy, grace and steadfast love.